5 Things to Consider after an Interview

5 Things to Consider after an Interview

You were well qualified for the position, your cover letter and resume landed you the interview, and you felt very confident after it all ended. You went home, processed it all, and waited eagerly for a phone call. But wait! It was not over yet! You still had one last thing to do and unfortunately many people overlook this last imperative step.

Always follow-up with the company and thank them for the interview. Taking the time to send a simple thank-you note could be the very thing that sets you apart from all the rest! Here are five things to consider when following-up after your interview:

 1. Who to Thank

It is important to thank every person you interviewed with and to also say thank you after second and third interviews. If you are afraid your nerves will get in the way of remembering specific names or contact information, simply ask for a business card at the conclusion of your meeting. This will leave a lasting impression, remind your future employer that you are serious about the position, as well as provide you with all the necessary information for your follow-up communication.

 2. Medium of Communication

Before even applying to jobs, be sure to create an email that is solely for your hunt. This way, your personal life does not get mixed in with your professional one. Keep in mind your professional email account should be simple, easy to remember, and one that includes your last name. Also avoid using an existing account that is affiliated with your current job. An example of an appropriate email account to use for a job search and later a follow-up would be: [email protected].

When submitting a thank-you, email is always a safe bet. If you do send a thank-you email (And we hope you do), be sure to send it within 24-hours after your interview has taken place so that the discussion topics are fresh on your mind!

3. Timing

Act fast. You want to be sure that your impression is lasting and that your hiring manager can still put a picture to your face. Waiting a week to send out your thank-you note could leave room for other potential candidates to leave their mark, instead.

When thanking a future employer, you can also send a hand written thank-you letter; however, this should be sent out the same day as your interview to ensure it is received in a timely matter. If time is of the essence (which it usually is), it is recommended you stick with email or make a phone call if resources are limited.

 4. Content

Use your message as a way to stand out from the crowd. If there was something you wished you had mentioned during the interview, you should use this as a chance to say it, however, keep things short and simple. Say thank you for the interview, reiterate your enthusiasm for the company, and remind your future boss that you are indeed the ideal candidate! As always, spell check and proof read your letter and make sure you have used the correct emails and names.

5. Format Example

 Dear [Name],

I wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak with me today to discuss the event management position with [Company Name]. It was a pleasure meeting with you and I enjoyed learning more about the roles, expectations, and goals of [Company]. I am confident my leadership skills as well as my special events experience are well aligned with the expectations of [Company Name] and I am excited to learn more about your team. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience if you have any additional questions about my qualifications. Thank you again and I look forward to hearing back from you in the near future.

Best Regards,

Your Name

Phone Number

Hopefully this guide is helpful for many of you on the hunt. Always remember, with each step taken towards your career search, you are only getting closer to your final destination! Best of luck!